Herbal Alternatives for anti depressants

[Domestic Goddess]

I was browsing in the chemist today and was looking at packages of St John's Wort, Kalms and other herbal remedies for stress. Has anyone tried these? Do they work as effectively as anti-depressants? Can you take them at the same time to feel even more relaxed or would you end up a bit http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/smrd1.gif??

My happy pills work well, but I'm not really keen on chemicals and am pondering the herbal/holistic alternatives.

[Lady Penelope]

:) Hi DG,

Actually yes, :) I used to take these...gracious me..well before I had problems with NFH where I was put on Anti Depressents prescribed by my doctor. (They were more effective) :D

I used to be in a very demanding profession... I was juggling with a career and being or trying to be 'Super Mummy' too :lol: Well it dosen't always work that way does it? :rolleyes:

Anyway, yes I did...St Johns Wort was great for me...used to just 'take to edges off' stressful times. I thought they were fine. They worked for me :)

I came off anti depressants last October during my Court case as I thought I had 'control' however, I do remember I just 'stopped' and I started having a few 'panic attack feelings'. Over a period of say 2/3 months..I started to feel 'normal' again. So check with your GP if you are considering coming off them DG. :) I had other symptoms too (sorry chaps :rolleyes: ) my periods stopped for 5 months! Thought a LP was pregnant :bigeyes: Anyway, I am now back to normal again thank goodness ;)

I would have a chat with your GP if I were you DG....oh the only other thing I have heard is that if you are using 'the pill' it may have an adverse effect on them. Also if you sunbath too...check it out on google. :blink:

Your sounding in control DG :thumbs:

Ever routing for you LPxxx :D

[Annabel]

B) My dad swears by his St Johns Wort and Rescue Remedy.

I did try St Johns Wort ages and ages ago when I was in a tough job, but it made me feel weird so I soon packed it in. :blink:

[mazza]

Hi DG, check the patient's notes in your Anti-depressant pack because you must not take St John's Wort at all when you are taking some antidepressants (& some other medications too or have certain medical conditions) :unsure: .

I don't have any experience of these products at all, but I do know a colleague that always had a stash of Kalms at her desk - and swore by them (esp when she was giving up smoking :lol: )and I know two people who say St John's Wort is very effective.

But as always, it's definitely worth checking it all out with your GP first, since you are already on a prescibed medication.

:)